SINCE 1828
year-and-a-day rule
nounLegal Definition of year-and-a-day rule
: a common-law rule that relieves a defendant of responsibility for homicide if the victim lives for more than one year and one day after being injured
Note: The year-and-a-day rule, which dates from at least 1278, is frequently criticized as anachronistic since modern medicine makes pinpointing cause of death easier than it was formerly. However, the rule still exists or is reflected in the law of some jurisdictions.
Comments on year-and-a-day rule
What made you want to look up year-and-a-day rule? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share year-and-a-day rule
Resources for year-and-a-day rule